Journal of Forensic Psychology

Abstract

Secondary Post-Traumatic Growth in Response to Trauma in Forensic Workplaces: Genuine Growth or Cognitive Bias?

Jessica Powell*

Background: Theories of Secondary Post-Traumatic Growth (SPTG), the positive changes experienced in various life domains by individuals who have experienced secondary trauma, have often focused primarily upon the benefits of facilitating this phenomenon. However, in more contemporary studies, a debate surrounding the legitimacy of this growth has stemmed from a link found between specific cognitive biases and self-reported SPTG. The current study aims to investigate this relationship between SPTG and social desirability bias, positive attention bias, and downward comparison bias. Furthermore, the current study focusses on a population of individuals working in forensic settings, due to the nature of their work being linked with increased likelihood to experience secondary trauma.

Method: The study was conducted online using a total of five psychological measures in the form of questionnaires. A multiple regression was carried out in order to assess the overall and combined impact of each assessed cognitive bias.

Results: The overall regression model was significant, with downward comparison bias in specific displaying as a significant predictor of SPTG. In contrast to this, social desirability and positive attention bias were found not to be significant predictors of SPTG, in contrast to much of the surrounding literature.

Conclusion: These findings are discussed in depth in relation to the surrounding literature and theories of secondary post-traumatic growth. Professional implications are highlighted particularly in relation to psychological well-being of forensic professionals, and directions for future research are presented.

Published Date: 2024-02-19; Received Date: 2024-01-18